Grand Metropolitan PLC

Grand Metropolitan PLC

Grand Metropolitan PLC was a British multinational conglomerate that operated in the food and drinks industry. It was founded in 1934 and was headquartered in London, England. The company had a diverse portfolio of brands and businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and alcoholic beverages.

History

Grand Metropolitan PLC was established in 1934 as a hotel operator under the name "Grand Metropolitan Hotels Limited." Over the years, the company expanded its operations and diversified into various sectors of the food and drinks industry. In 1954, it acquired the Express Dairies company, which marked its entry into the dairy industry.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Grand Metropolitan PLC continued to grow through acquisitions. It acquired companies such as Mecca Leisure Group, which owned restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos, and Watney Mann, a brewery and pub operator. These acquisitions helped the company establish a strong presence in the hospitality and alcoholic beverages sectors.

In 1981, Grand Metropolitan PLC merged with the Guinness company to form Diageo, one of the world's largest alcoholic beverages companies. The merger created a global powerhouse in the industry, with a wide range of popular brands under its umbrella.

Brands and Businesses

Grand Metropolitan PLC owned and operated several well-known brands and businesses. Some of the notable ones include:

• Mecca Leisure Group: A subsidiary of Grand Metropolitan PLC, Mecca Leisure Group owned and operated a chain of restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos. It was a prominent player in the entertainment and leisure industry.

• Express Dairies: Grand Metropolitan PLC's acquisition of Express Dairies in 1954 marked its entry into the dairy industry. Express Dairies was a leading dairy company in the United Kingdom, known for its high-quality dairy products.

• Watney Mann: Watney Mann was a brewery and pub operator that Grand Metropolitan PLC acquired in the 1970s. The acquisition helped the company establish a strong presence in the alcoholic beverages sector.

Legacy

The merger of Grand Metropolitan PLC with Guinness in 1981 resulted in the formation of Diageo, a global leader in the alcoholic beverages industry. Diageo continued to build on the success of Grand Metropolitan PLC's brands and businesses, expanding its portfolio and becoming one of the most recognized names in the industry.